Good Poke's for Rain Team? (Doubles)

Started by GlakeGG January 30th, 2016 2:22 AM
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GlakeGG

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Age 28
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Seen February 9th, 2021
Posted February 1st, 2021
36 posts
11.2 Years
Hey all.

So I've been out of the competitive PKM scene for sometime now, but I'm looking to hop back into things with this years VGC Season. I've got a Premier Challenge coming up this Sunday, quite soon, but I'd like to throw something together before then.

In the past I was interested in rain teams, dabbled with that a little bit, but not much. But basically I'm wondering if anyone could fill me in as to if rain teams are still viable in doubles in this meta? And if so, what are some good Poke choices for a rain team? Would love some insight and or ideas. ^^
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Megan

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I'm not much of a doubles expert, but I could see Politoed, Rain Dance Thundurus and (Primal) Kyogre as good choices on a Rain team. Primal Kyogre in particular is useful because it counters Primal Groudons harsh sunlight, while also providing an immunity to fire moves to the team when out. That gives you good support for Pokemon with a big Fire weakness like Scizor, Ferrothorn and Mega Mawile.

In general with legendaries being legal in VGC'16, you'll probably run into a lot of Primal Kyogre/Groudon teams.
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GlakeGG

The Phantom Prince

Age 28
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Seen February 9th, 2021
Posted February 1st, 2021
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I'm not much of a doubles expert, but I could see Politoed, Rain Dance Thundurus and (Primal) Kyogre as good choices on a Rain team. Primal Kyogre in particular is useful because it counters Primal Groudons harsh sunlight, while also providing an immunity to fire moves to the team when out. That gives you good support for Pokemon with a big Fire weakness like Scizor, Ferrothorn and Mega Mawile.

In general with legendaries being legal in VGC'16, you'll probably run into a lot of Primal Kyogre/Groudon teams.

Hmm, pretty solid insight, thanks for that!

Yeah I think I'll definitely have to test out some stuff with primal Kyogre. Now I just need to decide if I want to lean more towards an aggro built rain team, or more defensive.
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Sayuri

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Posted August 14th, 2016
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Here's an example of a rain core with Mawile (inspired by Scar's team; in theory it looks good, but I don't know how good it actually would be in battle):
Spoiler:
Dialga @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Pressure
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power
- Trick Room
- Protect

Kyogre-Primal @ Blue Orb
Ability: Primordial Sea
Level: 50
EVs: 100 HP / 148 Def / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Origin Pulse
- Protect
- Thunder
- Ice Beam

Tornadus @ Focus Sash
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Taunt
- Tailwind
- Role Play

Mawile-Mega (F) @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 188 HP / 252 Atk / 68 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Protect


Tornadus is a great partner for Kyogre on a dedicated (or even non-dedicated) rain team, as its Role Play allows it to copy Kyogre's Primordial Sea and set up rain again even after Groudon or Mega Rayquaza are sent out. Tailwind also allows it to sweep more effectively when not under Trick Room.
Rain teams are definitely very viable this year and, honestly, I prefer them over sun teams.
As mentioned before, Pokemon like Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Mawile can work especially well under rain. Politoed and Rain Dance Thundurus, though, aren't the best choices. I recommend reading up on the Primals' (and Ray-M's) weather mechanics to see why.